Last year, Wings and Paws volunteers Gemma & Luke went from zero to hero, taking on their very first 12K after starting with Couch to 5K and raising £900 of very much needed funds for us.

Well... apparently that wasn't enough.

On 25th October 2026, they're taking on something considerably bigger:

A HALF MARATHON.

That's 21.1 kilometres of running.

Not walking.

Not having a little jog around the block.

TWENTY ONE POINT ONE KILOMETRES.

And this hasn't happened overnight.

For months, they've been putting in the work. Early morning runs before work. Late night training sessions. Long runs. Hill Sprints. Strength training. Hours on their feet. Training through heat, rain, cold and even snow.

They've already completed four 10K races this year, collecting the medals, the miles and, naturally, a few spectacular blisters along the way.

Now they're weeks away from the biggest challenge they've ever taken on.

And they're doing it for one reason:

THE ANIMALS. ❤️

A half marathon is a serious endurance challenge. Fewer than 1% of adults complete one, so getting to that start line takes a huge amount of consistency, dedication and determination.

But for Gemma & Luke, the 21.1km isn't the real reason they're doing this.

They're running to raise vital funds for Wings and Paws Animal Rescue.

We are a small, independent rescue caring for dogs, cats, horses and other animals who need food, medication, veterinary treatment and somewhere safe to recover.

And the costs never stop.

Vet bills can run into thousands of pounds. Food, medication, parasite treatment, bedding and everyday care all add up. Every donation we receive helps us continue giving animals the care they desperately need.

So while Gemma & Luke are putting one foot in front of the other for 21.1km, we're asking you to help put a little something into the fundraising pot.

£5.

£10.

£20.

Whatever you can spare.

Every single pound will help provide care for an animal who needs it.

On race day, there will be 21.1km between them and that finish line.

There will probably be pain.

There will definitely be swearing.

There may be tears.

But there will also be two very determined rescue volunteers who know exactly who they're running for. ❤️

Please sponsor Gemma & Luke and help them run every kilometre for Wings and Paws.

Your donation won't just help them cross a finish line.

It will help animals cross into a safer, happier future. ❤️

Thank you for supporting Gemma & Luke, and most importantly, the animals they're running for. ❤️